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Panache the donkey lived a rather sad and lonely existence having being abandoned in a remote forest and then removed to an equine pound where his future hung in the balance. He was underweight and had the classical long, twisted hooves that indicated previous neglect. Thankfully The Donkey Sanctuary was able to secure the future of this young skewbald donkey that proved to have a very quiet, kind nature.

The very talented and generous band 'The Good Hearts' have written and produced a fabulous single called 'Donkey Town' and all proceeds will be donated to The Donkey Sanctuary. The song is a very catchy and upbeat tune which references many of our resident donkeys here in Liscarroll and paints an idyllic image of our beautiful farm.

In our constant quest to rehome donkeys we must never lose sight of why we do it. Last week was a wonderful reminder of just how beneficial our Rehoming Scheme is to both our donkeys and our fantastic Guardians who dedicate themselves to the animals in their care. Jack and Jerry have had sarcoid trouble in the past and when we spotted the return of some growths on both donkeys we decided to transport them from their idyllic abode in the Dublin Mountains to the veterinary hospital for treatment.

We are saddened to hear about Moses passing away this week in Hannigan's farm, he has been a true favourite through the years. Moses came to The Donkey Sanctuary in June 2001 as a 14 year old gelding from a private home in Co Kilkenny, he had two permanent rope marks embedded on his neck indicating he was abused at some point in his life. His owner relinquished him to us as he felt he was dangerous to his cattle and to people.

Yara (meaning loved one) and five others found themselves in an equine pound in County Longford in May 2016 after being abandoned. Their hooves were extremely overgrown and distorted, resulting in severe pain each time they took a step.

Thankfully, the pound called us and told us about the plight of these poor donkeys. An immediate plan was put in place to bring them to safety and to help end their suffering.

Yara is a skewbald mare who was underweight and infested with lice and worms, with horrifically painful hooves. She is bonded to other donkeys Lyanna and Meera.

I have been working at The Donkey Sanctuary for a long time, twenty years plus, mainly at Knockardbane Farm where it all started from a leaking caravan and a few staff.

I can honestly say there never has been one day the same, every day comes with something different- be it happy or sad stories and endings. I recently got the task at short notice to arrange to move two of our donkeys across the water to their new home.

The ISPCA responded to reports of a neglected donkey in a farm in Co. Limerick at the beginning of August. The donkey was rescued with severely overgrown hooves; he has since been transferred into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.

We are very fortunate that we have such a stunning farm and facility here that can care for hundreds of donkeys that need special attention. The staff and volunteers adore the donkeys and mules here in Liscarroll and we are delighted that we can extend our love of donkeys to the public by inviting everyone in to the Sanctuary to meet the donkeys first hand.

Sound travels considerable distance in the still of a summer Sunday afternoon. Massey, Forde, Ruffles, Rory, Ted and Ryan are listening to the sounds of cheering and groans coming from the open window of a house as the various expressions of emotions reveal Ireland’s progress during the Olympics. But these six boys are quite content to be missing the action.